Hiding in an ordinary suburban backyard in the neighbourhood of Bardon, you will find something extraordinary. Civosity Park, an enchanting garden, is a living symbol of the creativity, community-mindedness, and generosity of David Engwicht.
Civosity Park – The Garden
Step into this lush space and find yourself in a subtropical wonderland. Leafy green plants and arching tree ferns fill the grounds. A timber boardwalk leads around concealed corners while a shallow sparkling creek bubbles gently between the plants and under small bridges.
A grand poinciana tree reaches out across the garden, generously providing shady places to rest under, even during the heat of Brisbane’s summer. Comfortable outdoor furniture on the main deck is an ideal spot to share a picnic lunch while visiting this unique location.
This space is a wonderful place for toddlers and young children. The area is partially fenced and the size of a standard backyard, so little ones can explore without wandering too far. Playing barefoot in the creek is a delightful sensory experience. Wander the paths discovering enchanting decorations along the way – giant mushrooms, fluttering butterflies and a playful platypus, to name a few.
At night the garden is transformed into an illuminated magical forest, lit by well-placed coloured fairy lights.
As this is not a council space, bring your water bottles and show respect for the owner and the community by treating the garden carefully and taking all rubbish with you.
The garden is free to use, but donations are accepted to fund continual improvements. Copies of David’s latest book are also available for purchase.
At the time of writing, a new cubby house is under construction. It will take the shape of a tree stump and have windows in different colours, encouraging children to look out and see how the landscape changes when viewed in various hues.
Civosity Park Imagination Factor
As this space is the result of pure creativity, inspiration for play is found at every turn. Pretend you are going on one of Andy’s Wild Adventures as you play hide-and-seek, searching for all the animal sculptures. Look for fairies flitting between the plants and flowers. Little palaeontologists can embark on a journey to discover a dinosaur’s fossilised remains.
Accessibility at Civosity Park
The entry to the garden is via a ramp from the Ithaca Creek bikeway. There is a flat timber boardwalk that circles the garden. This pathway does pass over two small bridges, which may not be suitable for people using a wheelchair. There is ramp access to a deck with seating in the shade.
Note – There are NO TOILETS at this park.
Civosity Park features
- Partially fenced
- No toilets
- Shade from large trees
- Timber boardwalk with small bridges over a stream
- Shallow, landscaped stream
- Artistic and sculptural elements
- Lush garden
- Giant Connect 4 game
- Comfortable outdoor furniture
- Children’s furniture
- Decks
- Cubby house (currently under construction)
- Fairy lights at night
- Street parking on Fletcher Parade
What We Thought of Civosity Park
We treasure our visits to Civosity Park. This garden is everything I wish I could offer my child in our backyard at home. My little Brisbane Kid loves to take off his shoes and explore barefoot, splashing in the creek. We usually need a change of clothes! I love the chance to sip a coffee slowly and maybe even read a few pages of my book while enjoying the tranquil environment.
How to Get to Civosity Park
Civosity Park is located in the backyard of 7 Fetcher Parade, Bardon. It is accessible from the Ithaca Creek Bikeway.
7 Fletcher Parade, Bardon 4065
Another great park to explore is Jubilee Park in Bardon, which also has the closest public toilet.
Join the conversation